FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Constitution?

A Constitution is the fundamental law of the land pertaining to the Government and the people of a country. It is a collection of rules and principles which set out how a state will be governed and it regulates the relations between the State and its population. It forms the framework for all decisions made by every government official and, particularly the Legislature (the law making body e.g. Parliament, State Legislative Assemblies), Executive (President/Prime Minister/ministers) and the Judiciary (Courts).

What is the difference between a Constitution and Laws Made by the Legislature?

The Constitution forms the framework for all decisions and actions of the State, its responsibilities and also the limitations of their authorities with respect to the people of the country. Hence, the rules and principles outlined in Constitutions are regarded as superior to laws passed by the legislature. This means that representatives in the legislature should only pass a law if it is compatible with the Constitution.
The Courts normally have the role of reviewing a law made by legislature for any conflict with the Constitution. If the law made by the legislature conflicts with the Constitution, it is declared to be Unconstitutional to the extent it conflicts with the Constitution.

Why is a Constitution important?

A constitution is important because it ensures that those who make decisions on behalf of the public fairly represent public opinion. Constitution provides for the ways in which the State may be held accountable to the people of the country. It provides for a common national, political and constitutional identity for the people it covers. It provides for everything that touches every sphere of our lives.

What is the need of Constitutional awareness in India?

Constitutional awareness is essential as it is the fundamental law of the land and it’s understanding empowers an individual to judge the government’s policies and also to critique the laws made by the legislature. Any action or law that is not in consonance with the Constitution does not hold any sanctity, thereby making it invalid. The Constitution provides for the rights of people and also the ways in which it can enforced.

For an individual to fully harness the power of Constitution of India, he must first have a thorough understanding and appreciation of the Constitution and the structure and nature of the Indian polity. More the Constitutional awareness the stronger becomes the democracy.